The North Sea breeze is crisp, the waters deceptively calm. But on board HMS Somerset, there’s no room for complacency. The Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigate has just arrived in Stavanger, Norway, for a crucial mission, not one of combat, but of precision.
This is where cutting-edge warfare meets meticulous fine-tuning. Somerset is undergoing critical tests with NATO’s FORACS (Forces Sensor and Weapons Accuracy Check Site), ensuring its sensors and weapons systems are battle-ready for any challenge that may arise.
Sharpening the Spear
To stay at the forefront of naval combat, accuracy is everything. The slightest miscalculation could mean the difference between a successful mission and a costly failure. That’s why HMS Somerset’s crew is working closely with NATO specialists, fine-tuning the ship’s high-tech sensors and weaponry.
Posting on X, the ship’s official account confirmed the significance of this mission:
“#HMSSOMERSET is in Stavanger, Norway working with NATO FORACS to ensure her weapons and sensors are aligned and the ship remains fighting fit for Operations.”
This isn’t just about one ship, it’s about ensuring the Royal Navy remains a formidable force within NATO, particularly at a time when tensions in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions are shaping the alliance’s strategic priorities.
From Stealth to Speed: A Masterclass in Submarine Hunting
HMS Somerset has already been making waves, quite literally. Just weeks ago, the frigate was slicing through the Norwegian fjords, charging at full speed towards hidden enemies beneath the surface.
This high-intensity operation was part of Exercise Arctic Dolphin, a two-week naval showdown designed to test the next generation of submarine commanders from Norway and the Netherlands. Somerset, supported by her Merlin Mk2 helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron, played the role of the adversary, hunting down allied submarines in a relentless game of cat and mouse.
From high-speed pursuits to intricate tactical manoeuvres, the exercise pushed every participant to their limit, sharpening the Royal Navy’s ability to track and engage underwater threats.
Standing Watch, Ready for Anything
As HMS Somerset fine-tunes its firepower in Stavanger, its mission is clear: to remain razor-sharp, combat-ready, and prepared for whatever lies ahead. With growing tensions across key maritime regions, the need for precision, readiness, and dominance at sea has never been greater.
This warship isn’t just testing its weapons, it’s proving that when duty calls, the Royal Navy stands ready to answer.
